A report of news and commentary of the sport of ice hockey in the southwest U.S.A.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

AHL Southwest News and Notes

From Time-to-Time, the American Hockey League delivers news and notes from all 30 of the AHL Teams. Here's the notes packages from the 4 SW Teams. To see notes for all 30 teams, click on the Conference Links.

Here's the Notes from the Houston Aeros, Oklahoma City Barons, Texas Stars & San Antonio Rampage from the American Hockey League Website.

Houston Aeros

Houston erupted for six goals in a season opening 6-1 win against Oklahoma City but has a combined six goals in their last 3 games since (1-2-0). The Aeros scheduled had them play three of their last 4 games against Oklahoma City and they will close by opposing Oklahoma City in four of their final seven contests. Robbie Earl has netted a goal in two straight games; Earls two goals (2G 0A) are in a three way tie for second behind Peter Kalus's three (3G 1A). Houston is just 2-for-21 (9.5%) on the power play in the early going, including an 0-for-13 mark at home. The Aeros host Peoria and Lake Erie this weekend, with a Saturday trip to San Antonio in-between this weekend.

Oklahoma City Barons

Oklahoma is on a three game winning streak since beginning the year 0-2-1. The Barons totalled 3 goals in their first 3 games but have racked up 15 in their last three, including an 8-2 pounding on Houston on Sunday. Brad Morin recorded the Barons first hat trick in team history in the victory. Morin is tied with Alexander Giroux (3G 4A) and defensemen Shawn Belle (1G 6A) for the team scoring lead. Giroux has collected all of his points in the past four games after going without a point in the first two games. The Barons host San Antonio on Friday before visiting Toronto and Hamilton on Saturday and Sunday, respectfully.

San Antonio Rampage

San Antonio rallied for a late 4-2 win over Lake Erie on Wednesday, its second win against the Monsters in a four day span. Mathieu Beaudoin had an assist in the contest, extending his scoring streak to four games (3G 1A). Beaudoin leads the team with with five goals - tied for first in the entire league - and 8 points overall. Brett Maclean has fired 35 shots on goal thus far, second in the AHL behind the Charlotte Checkers Jermone Samson. Maclean suppressed Joel Perault for the franchise lead in power play goals when he tallied his 23rd on Friday vs. Peoria. The Rampage visit Oklahoma City on Friday before hosting Houston and Peoria to close the weekend.

Texas Stars

After two straight wins over San Antonio, Texas suffered its first loss of the Season on Sunday Night when it dropped a 5-2 loss to the Peoria Rivermen. Scott Mcculloch totaled five goals in 50 games (5G 12A) as a rookie last season, but this year he already shows a team high 5 points (4G 1A) in just 3 games. Mcculloch has the nabbed the game winning marker in both the Stars wins thus far. Travis Morin is tied with Mcculloch for the team lead with five points (3G 2A) with a +5 Rating. Texas continues a five game home stand with weekend games coming up against the Lake Erie Monsters and the Peoria Rivermen.